5 Signs Your Renovation Quote is Too High (And What to Do)

Getting renovation quotes can feel like navigating a minefield. One quote comes in at $15,000, another at $45,000, and a third tradie won’t even put anything in writing. Which one do you trust?

Choosing the wrong tradie isn’t just about overpaying – it’s about shoddy work, endless delays, and stress that can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare. The average Australian renovation costs around $30,000, but horror stories of blown budgets and abandoned projects are all too common.

This guide will help you spot the warning signs of a dodgy quote before you sign anything. Whether you’re planning a bathroom makeover or a full home renovation, knowing these red flags could save you thousands – and your sanity.

Red Flag #1: Prices Way Below Market

We all love a bargain, but when a quote comes in at half the price of others, your alarm bells should be ringing louder than a smoke detector at 3am.

Based on real Australian renovation data, typical ranges look like this:

• Structural work: $2,000 - $20,000
• Wall framing: $80 - $150 per square metre
• Flooring tiles: $60 - $150 per square metre
• Hourly rates: $50 - $90

So when old mate quotes you $5,000 for a full kitchen renovation that others are pricing at $25,000, something’s suss. These low-ball quotes often end badly because:

• The tradie realises they’ve underquoted and starts demanding “variations” for every little thing
• They cut corners on materials, using the cheapest possible options
• They abandon the job halfway through when they realise they’re losing money
• Hidden costs magically appear: “Oh, we didn’t include removing the old kitchen, that’s extra”

Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A professional tradie knows their costs and won’t work at a loss.

Red Flag #2: Vague or Missing Line Items

A quote that just says “Bathroom renovation: $15,000” tells you nothing. It’s like ordering “food” at a restaurant – what exactly are you getting?

A detailed quote should break down:

• Labour costs (with hourly rates or fixed prices per task)
• Materials (specific brands, quantities, and prices)
• Timeline for each stage
• What’s included and what’s not
• Who’s responsible for what

Vague quote example: “Supply and install new bathroom - labour and materials included”

Detailed quote example: “Remove existing tiles and waterproofing (2 days) - $1,200 Supply and install Beaumont tiles 600x300mm (30sqm @ $85/sqm) - $2,550 Supply and install new waterproofing membrane - $800”

When tradies won’t provide specifics, they’re often planning to hit you with extras later. “Oh, you wanted the toilet connected too? That’s not included in ‘bathroom installation’.”

Red Flag #3: No Written Quote or Contract

If a tradie refuses to put their quote in writing, run faster than a tourist from a drop bear.

In Australia, any job over $5,000 (including GST) legally requires a written contract. But even for smaller jobs, you should always get it in writing. Verbal quotes are worth about as much as a chocolate teapot when disputes arise.

A proper written quote should include:

• Full business details (ABN, licence number)
• Detailed scope of work
• Total price including GST
• Payment terms
• Start and completion dates
• What happens if things change

Without written documentation, you have zero protection if things go pear-shaped. “But he seemed like such a nice bloke” won’t help when you’re in VCAT trying to get your deposit back.

Red Flag #4: Demands Large Deposit Upfront

Standard practice in Australian renovations is a 10-20% deposit, with progress payments as work completes. So when someone wants 50% upfront – or worse, the full amount – your scam radar should be pinging.

Normal payment structure:

• 10-20% deposit upon signing
• 25-30% when materials arrive
• 25-30% at halfway point
• Final payment on completion

Warning signs:

• Demands more than 20% upfront
• Wants cash only
• Won’t provide a receipt
• Pressure to pay immediately

Large upfront payments are the calling card of dodgy operators who take your money and scarper. Legitimate tradies have supplier accounts and don’t need your cash to buy materials.

Red Flag #5: Pushy or High-Pressure Tactics

“This price is only valid if you sign today!” “I’ve got a gap in my schedule next week, but if you don’t book now…” “Don’t bother getting other quotes, you won’t find better!”

Professional tradies are usually booked weeks in advance. They don’t need to pressure you because they have plenty of work. If someone’s pushing hard for an immediate decision, ask yourself why.

Legitimate reasons for time limits exist (material prices do fluctuate), but they’ll be explained clearly and reasonably – usually with at least a week’s validity. Good tradies want you to be comfortable with your decision, not railroaded into it.

High-pressure tactics are designed to stop you from:

• Getting competitive quotes
• Checking references
• Thinking things through
• Discovering they’re dodgy

Red Flag #6: Can’t Provide References or Insurance

Would you let someone perform surgery without checking they’re a qualified doctor? So why let someone renovate your biggest asset without verification?

Every legitimate tradie should readily provide:

• Recent references (with contact details)
• Current insurance certificates
• Relevant licences
• Photos of completed work

Red flags include:

• “I don’t have insurance, but I’m really careful”
• References that don’t answer or seem fake
• No online presence or reviews
• Excuses about why they can’t show past work

Verifying insurance takes five minutes – call the insurer and confirm the policy is current. It could save you hundreds of thousands if something goes wrong.

What a Good Quote Looks Like

After all these warnings, let’s focus on what you should see:

✅ Clear identification: Business name, ABN, licence numbers, contact details

✅ Detailed scope: Every task listed with specific materials and methods

✅ Transparent pricing: Labour rates, material costs, and GST clearly shown

✅ Realistic timeline: Start date, milestone dates, and completion date

✅ Payment terms: Reasonable deposit and progress payment schedule

✅ Warranty info: What’s covered and for how long

✅ Variations clause: How changes will be handled and priced

✅ Insurance details: Public liability and warranty insurance confirmed

A good quote might be several pages long. It shows the tradie has thought everything through and protects both of you from misunderstandings.

What to Do If You’ve Received a Suspicious Quote

Got a quote that’s raising red flags? Here’s your action plan:

1. Don’t sign anything – legitimate tradies won’t disappear if you need thinking time
2. Get more quotes – three is the minimum for comparison
3. Ask questions – query anything unclear or concerning
4. Check credentials – verify licences and insurance
5. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is
6. Walk away – better to lose a deposit than your entire renovation budget

Remember: it’s your money and your home. You have every right to be cautious and thorough.

Quick Red Flag Checklist

Before signing any renovation quote, check:

⚠️ Price significantly below others (more than 30% cheaper)
⚠️ Vague descriptions like “all labour and materials”
⚠️ No written quote or proper contract
⚠️ Demands large deposit (over 20%)
⚠️ High-pressure sales tactics
⚠️ Can’t provide insurance or references
⚠️ Cash only payments
⚠️ No fixed completion date
⚠️ Unusually short warranty period
⚠️ Multiple spelling errors or unprofessional presentation

Protect Yourself and Your Renovation

Spotting quote red flags isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about being smart. The renovation industry has many fantastic, professional tradies who’ll do brilliant work at fair prices. But it also has its share of cowboys and scammers.

By knowing these warning signs, you’re already ahead of the game. Take your time, do your homework, and don’t let anyone rush you into a decision you’ll regret.

If you’re unsure about a quote you’ve received, getting a second opinion from other tradies or using tools like QuoteChecker can help you understand if you’re looking at fair pricing or a potential disaster. Your dream renovation should enhance your home, not drain your bank account and sanity.